Film techniques

Question 1

Camera angles

Answer 1

The position of the camera in relation to the subject being shown.

Indicates POV

E.g. Overhead, high angle, eye level, low angle, undershot

Question 2

Camera movement

Answer 2

Defines and creates meaning in shots

E.g. Zooming , tracking, panning and tilting

Question 3

Camera speed

Answer 3

Can be used to create special effects and enhance meaning

E.g. Fast or slow motion and freeze frames

Question 4

Cinematography

Answer 4

The control and design of the camera work. The operation of the camera and the control of the shot and characters

Question 5

Close up

Answer 5

Only part of an object or person is seen on the screen. Usually a head or head and shoulders only shot

Question 6

Composition

Answer 6

Control of all the elements in a single frame of film; the arrangements and relationship of the visual elements within a frame. Includes camera angle and movement.

Question 7

Cross-cutting or intercutting

Answer 7

Editing technique that alternates between two different actions or scenes

Question 8

Cut

Answer 8

Allows different types of shots without disrupting the action

Question 9

Cutaway

Answer 9

A shot that does not focus on some detail of the shot before or after it cuts away from the action. Focus on random object in scene instead

Question 10

Dissolve

Answer 10

A transition where one scene fades out as the other fades in. Both scenes are seen at the same time for a short moment. Suggest close relationship between the two scenes

Question 11

Establishing shot

Answer 11

A long, wide angle shot of an area or open space to establish setting

Question 12

Eye level shot

Answer 12

When camera is level with the object it figure. Suggests reality

Question 13

Fade

Answer 13

Scene fades to black at the end before new scene starts

Question 14

Frame

Answer 14

The borders of the image within which the subject is composed

Question 15

Freeze-frame

Answer 15

A still image that stops in the middle of the action

Question 16

High angle shot

Answer 16

Camera is above looking down on the scene or object but not directly overhead.

Makes object look small or lacking in power

Question 17

Insert shot

Answer 17

Close up of some small detail in the scene

Question 18

Lighting

Answer 18

How the shot is lit for filming.

High key and low key

Question 19

Long shot

Answer 19

Includes the whole human figure and some surrounding environment

Question 20

Low angle shot

Answer 20

Camera is looking up at object or character. Suggests power or dominance

Question 21

Medium shot

Answer 21

Includes half of the body and a small amount of background

Question 22

Mis-en-scene

Answer 22

Every visible element in the frame and how they are shown and related

Question 23

Montage

Answer 23

A number of shots edited quickly together. Gives brief impression of character or setting

Question 24

Overhead shot

Answer 24

Camera is directly above the object or character. Makes them look small vulnerable or lost

Question 25

Pan

Answer 25

Camera moves horizontally across the frame

Question 26

Point of view

Answer 26

Where the camera is placed to capture the shot

Question 27

Reverse shot

Answer 27

A shot from the opposite side of the previous shot

Question 28

Scene

Answer 28

A space within which a narrative of action takes place

Question 29

Screenplay

Answer 29

Written description of film containing characters, dialogue and actions

Question 30

Semiotics

Answer 30

The study of signs and symbols and their use, especially in language

Question 31

Sequencing

Answer 31

A series of shots unified by shared action or motif put together to show continuous action

Question 32

Set

Answer 32

The place or location used for a scene or shot in a film

Question 33

SFX

Answer 33

Special effects/ technical additions to the film that manipulate or alter what has been filmed

Question 34

Shot

Answer 34

A continuously exposed unedited image of any length

Question 35

Shot reverse shot

Answer 35

Pretty self explanatory

Question 36

Soundtrack

Answer 36

What we hear in the film

Question 37

Diegetic sound

Answer 37

What we can hear that the characters can also hear

Question 38

Non diegetic sound

Answer 38

Sound put in for the audience only

Question 39

Tilting

Answer 39

Camera moves up and down

Question 40

Tracking

Answer 40

Camera follows action

Question 41

Undershot

Answer 41

Camera is directly beneath figure or object. Suggests extreme power or danger

Question 42

Washout

Answer 42

Scene fades to white before next scene begins

Question 43

Wipe

Answer 43

Shots slide across screen like a PowerPoint

Question 44

Zooming

Answer 44

Zoom in to make bigger or zoom back to make smaller